Calm as Control

All right. First up, they seem chill because they're controlling the

surface. You don't stay calm because nothing affects you. You stay calm because

you've learned what happens when it shows. Your face holds steady even when

something inside you flinches. Your voice stays even, even when your chest

tightens, even when the moment hits you in a place you didn't expect. You nod.

You listen. You keep your tone clean. You keep your hands still.

You keep the reaction behind your eyes, like you're locking it in a room and, and turning the

key. Because the calm isn't peace, it's management. It's an internal